It was pleasant and delightful one midsummer's day, And the fields of Old England were all covered in hay, The blackbirds were singing on every tree, And the larks they sang melodious at the dawning of the day. CHORUS: (The chorus is comprised of the last line of the verse) And the larks, they sang melodious, And the larks, they sang melodious, And the larks, they sang melodious, At the dawning of the day. Well a sailor and his true love were walking one day, Said the sailor to his true love I am bound far away, I'm bound for the East Indies where the loud cannons roar, For I'm sad to leave you Nancy, you're the girl that I adore. (chorus) A ring from her finger she instantly drew, Saying take this dearest William and my heart it goes too, And while they were embracing tears from her eyes fell, And it's may I go along with you-Oh no my dear, farewell. (chorus) Now the wind's in the rigging, and the anchor's aweigh, And the ship she will be sailing at the dawning of the day, The current is moving on a fast flowing tide, But if ever I return again, I will make you my bride. (chorus)